Seasonal Fish Processing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission is recruiting candidates to fill a Fisheries Technician 1 - CWT Recovery Survey position located in Lodi, California in collaboration and under the supervision of the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Fisheries and Wildlife Office. The position performs technical fisheries monitoring, biological sampling, and data management and validation activities while supporting compliance with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Scientific Collecting Permit requirements.

This is a seasonal, benefits-eligible position that is expected to begin on October 5th, 2026 lasting for over 6 months and will end in less than a year from start date.

Housing is not provided.

Primary Duties
Perform coded-wire tag (CWT) recovery from Chinook salmon and associated biological sampling activities in the Mokelumne River and at the Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery.
Participate in downstream juvenile salmonid monitoring, rotary screw trap efficiency trials, and rearing habitat use studies.
Assist with daily sampling activities, equipment preparation, and field logistics in coordination with EBMUD staff and PSMFC personnel.
Follow established fish-handling, biological sampling, safety, data-collection, and CDFW Scientific Collecting Permit requirements.
Accurately identify fish species and collect, record, and manage biological and environmental field data associated with fisheries monitoring activities.
Collect, label, store, organize, and transport biological samples, including CWT samples and Chinook salmon scales.
Perform routine data entry, data management, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and data validation activities to ensure fisheries monitoring data are complete, accurate, and consistent.
Assist with the preparation, operation, cleaning, maintenance, and storage of fisheries sampling equipment.
Operate field equipment in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements.

Previous fisheries field experience involving fish identification, fish handling, biological sampling, fisheries monitoring, or related natural-resource work is recommended. Experience operating and trailering a variety of boats and participating in fisheries sampling activities is highly desirable.

Essential Functions:

• Participate in survey crews that conduct regional fishery presence/absence research, recreational/commercial fishing surveys, anadromous fish escapement surveys (carcass, redd, trap/weir, snorkel, etc.), or tag detection and mark recovery surveys. Make standardized observations such as species identification, length, weight, behavior, growth, survival, reproductive condition, and/or signs of parasites, diseases or pathogens, fin clips or tags.
• Collect and organize biological and habitat samples and collections (such as scales, otoliths, ageing structures, other tissues, water quality, etc.).
• Summarize and input biological or habitat data on field forms, electronic data loggers, and/or desktop computers. May assist with preliminary data summaries and analyses, technical report writing, or database management.

Knowledge Required by the Position:

At the lower end of the range, employees use knowledge of basic arithmetic, reading, writing, and data collection to perform routine or repetitive tasks.

At the upper end of the position range, employees use knowledge of the basic principles and protocols of fish biology to make readings, measurements, and observations; execute tests; collect samples, etc. If complex equipment systems are operated, the employee has the knowledge to perform calibrations or adjustments to achieve desired results.

Additional Mandatory Skills:

• carcass and redd surveys
• electronic detection technol.
• able to swim
• lift 40 - 50 lbs.
• load boats on trailers
• tow & maneuver trailers
• valid driver's license
• operate motorized boats
• operate non-motorized boats
• hiking
• operate GPS
• fish species ID skills
• operate handheld data recorder
• compile and collect neat and accurate data
• specific software skills (spreadsheet, word processing, database, GIS, statistical)
• oral communication skills
• written communication skills
• repair & maintain equipment

Physical Demands:

Demands can range from moderate --where there is walking, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching, lifting, bending, and strenuous sweeping-- to rigorous. In the latter case, the incumbent must be able to handle buckets of water or gear weighing up to 50 pounds. Long daily periods of hiking, carrying equipment, swimming, and/or standing may be required. Camping out for extended periods may be required. Some work requires the ability to maintain footing in fast-moving water.

Work Environment:

A portion of the work is performed in an office setting with adequate lighting, heating and ventilation. The majority is performed in fish processing labs, fish holding areas, and/or in the field. Incumbents may work on narrow, elevated walkways and platforms that are over or adjacent to water. Field work involves exposure to all types of weather, slippery rocks, trails, irregular terrain, insects, poison oak, rough or fast-moving water, or cold water temperatures. Work at high elevations or aboard boats may be required.

A range of experience and education may be presented. At the lower end of the range, candidates must present six months of General Experience* OR one year of education above the high school level that included at least six semester hours in any combination of scientific or technical courses. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

At the upper end of the range, candidates must present one year of Specialized Experience** OR a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours of coursework in any combination of scientific or technical courses. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also qualifying.

*General Experience is (1) any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with biological sciences or the processes of the biological sciences.

**Specialized Experience is experience that equips the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position being filled.